São Paulo (EFE).- United States President Donald Trump administration’s announcement of a 25% tariff on some Brazilian imports, sparking friction between President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Senator Flávio Bolsonaro ahead of the October elections.
The progressive leader and the eldest son of former far-right President Jair Bolsonaro (2019-2022) blamed each other for the new tariff, which will take effect on Wednesday and affect nearly one-third of Brazilian exports to the US.
“Lula is no longer fit to be Brazil’s president. We’re on a plane without a pilot. The Brazilian Biden is moody, irresponsible, and has become a danger to our nation,” said Flávio Bolsonaro, Lula’s main opponent in the presidential race, on Thursday on social media.
Jair Bolsonaro’s eldest son, anointed by his imprisoned and disqualified father as his successor, followed the lead of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who blamed Lula for the tariff hike due to his failure to negotiate in «good faith.»
Brazil’s most influential business association, the Federation of Industries of the State of São Paulo (FIESP), also chose to point the finger at Lula, who leads in the election polls.
